Why I Love La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Duo+ So Much

I’ve been writing here on TBC for quite a while now and although I try to mix up the content there are always a few products that sneak their way into posts time and time again. The repurchases and holy grails that I couldn’t live without – La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Duo+ definitely falls into that category. I’ve lost track of how many bottles of the stuff I’ve bought but the best indication of my love for it is that it’s just about the only product my partner can recognise and name in my routine.

I first started using the Effaclar Duo+ in 2013(ish) and since then, it’s hardly left my routine. I’ve waxed lyrical about it a billion times but I’ve never explained why I love it so much. I think it’s about time. Essentially, I view the Effaclar Duo+ as a ‘treatment’, sitting between my toner and my moisturiser in my routine. It’s an incredibly lightweight gel-cream formula that sinks into the skin quickly and easily. There’s a big list of claims, sure, but I find that this product really does what it says on the box.

It evens out the texture –

One of the product’s main claims is the unclogging capability. Effaclar Duo+ deals with any kind of congestion while also reducing pore size and working to get rid of blackheads. This always leaves my skin looking and feeling a little clearer and smoother to the touch. It also means that the product is a great one to prep the skin with in the morning before applying makeup.

It reduces the number of breakouts –

Beyond just improving the texture, it also works to reduce the number of imperfections on the skin. The decongestion means you’re less likely to get a breakout and when you do, the life span of the spot is drastically reduced. Whenever I get the occasional spot (blame it on the hormones) I find that the Effaclar Duo reduces the redness and also brings down the size in no time, making it much easier to deal with.

It corrects imperfections and dark spots –

Not only does it help to heal imperfections, the new reformulation of Effaclar Duo has added another helpful ingredient to reduce the scarring that can be left behind when spots have healed. I find that it works best on newly healed spots, not performing quite as well on the long-term scarring I have on my chin but I definitely can see results.

It moisturises –

Unlike a lot of other products with claims to reduce the appearance of imperfections, the Effaclar Duo doesn’t dry them out. I’ve been known to use this product as my daytime moisturiser because not only does it provide a really great, lightweight base for makeup, it also gives my skin just the right amount of hydration. At night time, I tend to use a slightly heavier moisturiser afterwards, particularly in the Winter.

It mattifies –

The Effaclar Duo also aids in the reducing the production of excess oil and sebum, leaving skin mattified for a little longer – particularly helpful for those with oily skin. This, in the long term, also aids in the reduction of breakouts. Because it’s so lightweight, it manages to hydrate and mattify while not leaving any heavy residue on your face.

It clears up my skin –

This is the combination of all of the previous points, pretty much, but missing a couple of days of Effaclar Duo really does make such a difference to my skin. The texture isn’t as smooth, imperfections start appearing more often and overall my skin just isn’t as happy with me and really, that’s what we all want, right?

I’ve recommended the product to countless friends and every time they come back and let me know how much they love it. I can see this benefiting pretty much every skin type but particularly if you have acne-prone skin or want to improve the overall texture of your complexion, I can’t recommend picking up a tube of this one enough.

I'm all about easy, achievable makeup. And I love mixing up my collection with everything from budget beauty to luxury picks.

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